The Start Up:
I fell in love with the planning process while planning my own wedding. I started watching YouTube videos (mainly Jamie Wolfer) to help me learn how to D.I.Y. my wedding and while watching the videos I came to the realization that people did this for a living. I starting brainstorming business names and the more I planned my wedding the more I was subconsciously creating a business plan. I finally talked to my now husband, fiancé at the time, about it and asked his opinion. He has always been supportive so of course he was on board. I researched some planners in the area to see about shadowing them to gain experience, most ignored me, but then one day I got a reply from Emily Katherine Events that changed my life. I was simultaneously planning my wedding and shadowing/assisting Emily and I loved every minute of it. After my husband and I tied the knot, we went on our honeymoon, and as soon as we got back home my husband took some "branding" photos for me (like the one above with the clipboard), I started a website, and A.G.E. began!
The Date:
Even though I got married in 2021 and "started" my business then it wasn't until April 28th 2022 that A.G.E. officially became an LLC and got the gold seal!
That was by far one of the biggest accomplishments in my life. To say that I was the owner of a LLC was something I had dreamed of since I was a little girl and it had finally happened. Some may wonder why it took so long for me to take this step in my business. Well for starters, getting a LLC isn't cheap. I had done my research of DBA's, LLC's, Sole Proprietorship, etc. to make sure that I was doing the right thing for my business at the time. I wanted to take some time to learn the industry and make sure it was what I wanted to do before making a step that big. In April, my husband and I moved into our apartment and that's when I finally was able to have an office space to work on my business like how I wanted to and I knew it was time! I LOVE even numbers and when you apply for an LLC there's no guarantee what date the state will approve it. When I got all of my papers back with "4/28/22" on them I felt like God was speaking to me and I knew that I did everything at the right time!
Recap:
While 2022 was slower than expected I still grew as a business owner and had a lot of accomplishments. Arnisha Gaither Events was featured in an interview on Voyage Raleigh. I completed Jamie Wolfers course "The Union Mastermind", had my first giveaway, hosted A.G.E. first instagram live, started vendor friendships, and so much more.
2023 has been a great year for the business so far! The business has booked lots of events for this year (limited 2023 dates available) and it has already started booking 2024 events. I was featured on Meet the Elite Podcast, hosted a styled shoot, started a blog (this is our first one!), and I have some excited things in store for this year that I can't share just yet.
To say I've had a fantastic first year in business is an understatement! I am so grateful for each and every one of my clients and I'm so excited to be celebrating A.G.E. birthday with you all!
Photos by: Rachael Mitchell Photography
What's Next?:
More of A.G.E.!!!! The 2023 wedding season starts May 6th and I am so excited to share some behind the scenes action of us at events. I also have a big announcement coming soon and I have a styled shoot on the calendar for this year. I'd like to take this time to invite you to come grow with A.G.E. You can sign up for our newsletter on our website, follow us on social media, and fill out our contact form if you are engaged or planning an event. Thanks for coming to the blog, more to come soon!
P.S. Comment and wish A.G.E. a Happy Birthday :)